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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1982 Housing Redevelopment Advisory Board Minutes1i J HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD 3rd Floor, Washington Square Annex 119 N. Washington Square -'` Tuesday, January 26, 1982 7:30 p.m. Telephone 487-1020 - The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Pat Long, Chairperson, at 7:30 p.m. Roll' Call In attendance: Mrs. Long, Mr. Shaw, Mrs. Carney, Dr. Griffin, Mrs. Walker Excused absence: Mr. Capalongo, Mr. Boehm, Mr. Spiels Guests in attendance: Mr. Joel Ferguson, Developer; F & S Development Company, Mr. Jon McDowell Staff in attendance: Ronald Stonehouse, Turney Gratz, Virginia McEvoy The motion was made by Dr. Griffin that the minutes of the November 24, 1981, meeting oT the Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Board be approved as mailed. Supported by Mrs. Walker Motion carried unanimously Hearing of Delegations & Individuals - Mr. McDowell was introduced by Mr. Stonehouse to the Board. Mr. McDowell stated that he was attending to observe and that he had no comments. Report of Committees - None Report of Officers - None Report of Director - a. Report on changes proposed for condominium portion and commercial portion of Capitol Commons. Mr. Stonehouse stated that the Board will be considering the proposed changes for the condominium portion and the commercial portion of Capitol Commons. The proposed changes have been presented to the Capitol Commons Citizens District Council and the Planning Board. Both boards reviewed them and recommended that the proposed changes be approved. The BILD Board will also review than next week. Mr. Gratz updated the Board on the progress of Capitol Commons since EJS Housing Partnership was selected as the developer in 1979. After selection EJS immediately applied to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (NBHDA) for low interest financing. MSHDA, after due consideration, in early 1980 advised that they were not interested in financing the low-rise apartments or the condominiums but would finance the Senior Citizens high-rise building. EJS then immediately submitted an application to FHA and a year later were able to close the mortgage on the low-rise. A federal mortgage program (tandem financing) that would have financed the condominiums at 72 percent interest rate was discontinued by the Reagan Administration. An unsuccessful lawsuit filed by Joel Altman and Ronald Hatcher, two rival developers who sought to have EJS removed from the project, delayed the start of construction, however, on July 2, 1981, a groundbreaking ceremony was held and construction was started on the low-rise and Senior Citizens high-rise. The condominium development as originally approved was placed for bid in the summer of 1981. The bids that rhe developer received to build the condominiums would require a unit sales cost in excess of $100,000. Given the high interest rate and the state of the Lansing housing market, these units would not be marketable. The developer proposes to eliminate some of the amenities such as the indoor swimming pool/exercise area and ternis courts. Also to reduce the total number of living units in the condominiums from 120 to 96 units, with surface parking instead of underground -and surface parking as originally proposed, and reduce the height of the buildings from four stories to three stories. Technical review by the Planning Department concluded that a 96 -unit plan with surface parking would not work. As a result, the developer has submitted a 64 -unit scheme. The Redevelopment Staff spent many hours with the developer and architects endeavoring to find the best possible plan that would be marketable and still retain the high quality development. The proposed revision to the commercial portion of the development would change the office/commercial complex on the southeast corner of Capitol Commons Area to office use only. It was originally anticipated for support services such as grocery store, dry cleaners, drug store and beauty shop. However, these same type of uses can be found in the area and Central Business District only a few blocks away. The developer has proposed to build an office building and relocate his entire office complex and television studio on this corner. Pb. Ferguson addressed the Board and explained the revisions to the condcmoniu-n and displayed sketches. The savings would be passed on to the buyer. He point- ed out that the blighted area surrounding the project makes the condos much less marketable. The City had applied for an Urban Development Action Grant which included among other things the acquisition of 30 parcels in this area (Phase II). However, only a small portion of the grant was approved ($935,000) to help finance the apartment portion. Mr. Ferguson urged the City to pursue every means to complete acquisition of Phase II and Phase III. He is going to launch an intensive campaign to sell the condominiums as FHA requires 80% presale before financing. Mr. Ferguson explained that the commercial site was not large enough to support a full-service retail center. Also in close proximity are two grocery stores, Busy Bee and Hy -Grade Market. The elderly building is also serviced daily by - 2 - C- a local drug store. The proposed office development on this site would be built immediately and will bring a number of employees into the City and would be a high quality stable anchor to the development. Mrs. Lang, Chairperson, asked each member individually to express their feelings on the proposed changes. Each responded positively. Mrs. Carney made the following motion: The motion was made by Mrs. Carney that the Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Board support the commercial and condominium changes proposed by F & S Development Company to complete the project. Supported by Mr. Shaw Motion carried unanimously Mrs. Long thanked Mr. Ferguson for attending the meeting and explaining the proposed changes. b. Status report on various projects Mr. Stonehouse reported that all projects are on schedule. CoIlTTIl nicationS - None Unfinished Business - None New Business - None Excused Absence - The notion was made by Dr. Griffin that the Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Board grant excused absence to Mr. Capalongo, Mr. Boehm and Mr. Shiels. Supported by Mr. Shaw Hearing of Delegations & Individuals - Mrs. Carney made the motion that the meeting be adjourned. Supported by Mrs. Walker The meeting adjourned at 9:03 p.m. Respectively submitted, HOUSING AND RREDEVELOPIMENT ADVISORY BOARD Ronald . Stonehouse Secretary rgs/vm Motion carried unanimously Motion carried unanimously J. (D C� iv n cyl Ln co N) 00 N) HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD 3rd Floor, Washington Square Annex 119 N. Washington Square Tuesday, March 23, 1982 7:30 p.m. Telephone 487-1020 The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Pat Long, Chairperson, at 7:30 p.m. Roll Call In attendance: Mrs. Walker, Dr. Griffin, Mr. Shaw, Mr. Capalongo, Mrs. Long, Mr. Boehm Excused absence: Mrs. Carney, Mr. Shiels Staff in Attendance: Ronald Stonehouse, Robin Clay The motion was made by Mr. Shaw that the minutes of the January 26, 1982 meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Board be approved as mailed. Supported by Mr. Boehm Hearinq of Deleqations and Individuals - None Report of Committees - None Report of Officers - None Report of Director - Motion carried unanimously a. Report of progress of Capitol Commons and other projects. Portions of the Capitol Commons townhouses are now being occupied. Mr. Stonehouse stated that the proposed revisions are undergoing further study. The Dart Energy Building is undergoing redesign. The Dart contract is being reviewed to start the approval process. With the break in weather conditions, the City is looking for an early conclusion of work on the.fish ladder. The City is now trying to settle claims for extra cost and the time situation with the contractor. There has been a big push for additional participants in the rehab- ilitation program. Public Service Announcements have been made and flyers have been distributed. At this point we have more contractors than work. CThe City-wide budget was released by Mayor McKane resulting in across the board cuts to make up for a six million dollar short- fall. Mayor McKane is proposing to combine four divisions and departments into one Community and Economic Development Depart- ment. There will be three divisions in the new department: The Planning Department to Planning Division; Redevelopment Division to Development Division; and, Building Safety and Development Department to Building Safety Division. The Department Head position that will be created will most likely be filled from with- in city government. The Program Coordinator will also be under the new department. There will be a total of 15 position reductions among these divi- sions. Reductions are being made according to workload. Community Development reorganization was necessary primarily for budget reasons. If all C.D. personnel remained, the salary and fringe benefit costs would approach 1.2 million for the next fiscal year on a 1.7 million dollar grant. The budget has been done across the board. Reductions will be occurring in Parks and Recreation, Public Service, Police and Fire, etc. As for our operation.this has been designed to get integrated operations of a number of separate and distinct functions that have been at odds with each other. CMrs. Long, Chairperson, asked if any member had any questions re- garding reorganization or budget. Mr. Boehm asked Mr. Stonehouse if he was anticipating some type of pooling of staff among the divisions or if there will be cross divisional work between the divisions to establish the same effort. .Mr. Stonehouse responded to the effect that he sees modifications of who reports to whom along with reductions. Also, that through the processes between the Building and Planning Departments and our Division, one "bounces" back and forth for a response. Mrs. Long,. -Chairperson, asked out of the 15, how many would this Division be affected by losing? Mr. Stonehouse stated that 105 positions are being eliminated, 64 of which are currently vacant, leaving approximately 40 City-wide layoffs. This operation will have five positions affected. Mr. Stonehouse also stated that the budget must be adopted by May 17, 1982. The reorganizations submitted March 22, 1982 must lay before City Council for a period of 90 days from submission. Therefore, it cannot be implemented before June 22, 1982. There- fore, the City is looking at a July 1, 1982 changeover. Dr. Griffin asked if any of these proposed changes would affect the advisory boards. Mr. Stonehouse commented that the charter of the City of Lansing encourages citizen input and therefore the boards will remain intact. Mrs. Long.asked if parking for Dart Energy had been resolved. Mr. Stonehouse said that the City had agreed to provide 100 spaces in the North Grand Ramp and 100 spaces in either the North Capitol or South Grand Ramps. Mr. Stonehouse confirmed that there would be no need to demolish the existing City Fish Market to allocate additional parking for the Dart project. Mr. Shaw commented on reorganization. Communications - None Unfinished Business - None CNew Business - None Excused Absence - The motion was made by Mr. Shaw that the Housing and Redevelopment Advisory. Board grant excused absence to Mrs. Carney and Mr. Shiels. Supported by Mr. Capalongo Motion carried unanimously Hearing of Delegations and Individuals - None Dr. Griffin made the motion that the meeting be adjourned. Supported by Mr. Boehm Motion carried unanimously The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m. Respectively submitted, HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD Ronald G. Stonehouse, Secretary RGS/rdc 0 J. 3 � n � S � Q N W ;U (D Q J (D < 00 rD N � O 't7 fD C-h D Q V) O 5 m O iL OL HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD C3rd Floor, Washington Square Annex 119 N. Washington Square Tuesday, May 25, 1982 7:30 p.m. Telephone 487-1020 The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Long, Chairperson, at 7:30 p.m. Roll Call In attendance: Mrs. Long, Mrs. Carney, Dr. Griffin, Mr. Shiels, Mr. Shaw. Excused Absence: Mrs. Walker, Mr. Capalongo and Mr. Boehm Guests in Attendance: None Staff in Attendance: Turney Gratz, Virginia McEvoy The motion was made by Dr. Griffin that the minutes of the March 23, 1982, meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Board be approved as mailed. Supported by Mr. Shiels Hearing of Delegations & Individuals - None Report of Committees - None Report of Officers - None Report of Director - a. Status report on various project Motion carried unanimously Mr. Turney Gratz, Development Administrator gave the report in the absence of Mr. Ronald Stonehouse. The interior renovation of the North Lansing Comfort Station at 313 E. Grand River has been completed at a cost of $42,000. This project was part of the Historical Facade Renovation of North Lansing and was financed through EDA funding. Dedication and open house will take place on Sunday, June 6, 1982, 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. It will be used by the North Lansing Com=ity Association. The Brenke Fish Ladder is substantially completed. The only problEm is that r children are climbing over the planting area located along the east side of the Board of Water & Light Generating Building. Temporary fencing has been installed and consideration is being given to the planting of Barberry and Cockspur Thorn bushes. We are working with the Parks & Recreation Department on this matter. Urban Renewal Parcels 6 & 5C1 and B1 next to Continental Cablevision have been temporarily paved for use as metered parking lots Lentil we receive development proposals for them. Proposed R & R Building #2 - Parking has finally been resolved on this project. Some spaces have been reserved in the North Grand Parking Ramp and the balance in the North Capitol Parking Ramp. Contract language has been revised and is being reviewed by Reid and Reid. Dart Building Status - Dart has not been in contact with us. According to the paper the project is on hold. City Council adopted the Mayor's budget on Monday, May 17, 1982. City Council has until the middle of June to adopt the reorganization plan, which will have an impact on our division. It appears we will become part of the Municipal Development Department, which will include the Planning Depart- ment and the Building Safety & Development Department of which the Redevelopment Division is now a part. On Capitol Commons Phase I low-rise and elderly building, construction is going very well and is still ahead of schedule. Everyone is pleased with the quality of construction. Renting is picking up and most of the townhouses are rented. The elderly building rentals are going slower. An advertising campaign will be launched soon. We will endeavor to make arrangements for the Board to tour the site as soon as landscaping is in. There will probably be an open house later this summer. The Board may be contacted in June for a Special Board meeting to review proposed changes to the Phase II Development Plan for Capitol Commons with the possibility of a revision to the plan. We will try to include this Board, the BILD Board of Directors, Planning Board and Capitol Commons Citizens' District Council in one presentation. In response to an inquiry by Mrs. Carney regarding the proposed change in the number of condominiums to 64 units in Phase I, Mr. Gratz advised that the request is tabled in the Physical Development Committee, while the developers and City staff are looking at development alternatives. Regarding the Altman Lawsuit - an appeal was filed in the Court of Appeals which was denied. They now have filed a suit in the Supreme Court. 100 Block Project -.The deadline for start of construction is June 12, 1982, for the office building. Financing for development of a hotel on the site is still being sought. Communications - None - 2 - Unfinished Business - None Excused Absence - The motion was made by Mrs. Camey that the Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Board grant excused absence to Mrs. Walker, Mr. Capalongo and Mr. Boehn. Supported by Mr. Shaw Motion carried unanimously Mrs. Long requested that staff review bylaw language regarding absences. Hearing of Delegations & Individuals - Mone The motion was made by Mr. Shiels that the meeting be adjourned. Supported by Dr. Griffin The meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Respectively submitted, HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD Ronald G. Stonehouse Secretary rgs/vm Motion carried unanimously N b) z 4-3 h ) v JOINT MEETING HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD BILD BOARD OF DIRECTORS CAPITOL CONMONS CITIZENS' DISTRICT COUNCIL Capitol Commons Corri unity Building 600 S. Sycamore Street Tuesday, June 22, 1982 7:30 p.m. The meeting was called to order by Mr. Turney Gratz, Development Administrator, Redevelopment Division, at 7:45 p.m. Attendance was taken as follows: Housing and Redevelopment Advisory Board: Present Mrs. Pat Long Mrs. Romah Carney Mrs. Mayme Walker Mr. Irving Shaw Mr. Fred Capalongo Mr. Thomas Shiels Dr. Jack Griffin BILD Board of Directors: Present Mary E. Holmes Henry Krause Eugene L. Loyd Patricia Curran Absent Mr. Dave Boehm RI JN Michael Cosgrove Albertine Guy Nathan Han -mond Patrick Landy Ronald Pawlak Necia Sharkey itol Co=ns Citizens' District Council: Adella L. Christian Emily Comui_ngham Martha Stanfield Dr. W. H. Harrison Gilbert M. Hill William Simpson C. R. Kevwitch Guests: Sate Johnson Patrick Landy Lee Mason Ernestine McMullen Arthur Sheffey Oscar Stallworth John Sullivan Reverend George Long Mr. Tirifo Vasof Mr. Joel Ferguson, F & S Development Company Staff in Attendance: 'R=ey Gratz, Redevelopment Division Liane Zimny, Planning Department Virginia McEvoy, Redevelopment Division The purpose of the meeting was to review the status of development of Capitol Cam=s and to consider a proposal to amend Phase II of the development plans. Mr. Joel Ferguson, developer, was invited by Mr. Gratz to address the board members. He welcomed everyone and advised that they were going to have a gala grand opening within the next two months. He stated that all the units in Phase I are rented except some of the elderly units. Efforts are being made to develop the Phase I condominiums with underground parking. The floor plans will be revised from eighteen different floor plans to four or five to reduce costs, but still preserve the quality and integrity of the buildings. They will still try to have three buildings instead of two. Plans are being finalized for the Television Studio/Office Building. Con- struction is anticipated to start in the fall of 1982. He stated that they propose to build 48 (Section 8) rental apartments in Phase II and 40 condominiums. This revision of the development plan is due to the inability to obtain financing for the original concept due to the economic situation. The City will assist in seeking the necessary subsidies and financing. He stated that the new administration is very cooperative, as the old administration was. Mr. Ferguson also advised that the Coamunity Building at 600 S. Sycamore and the Community Room in the elderly building is available to community organiza- tions, rent free. Dr. Harrison will be relocated to a new rent free building near the develop- ment, depending on the City's purchase and relocation of the current office in Phase II. Mr.Ferguson left the meeting at this time. Mr.Gratz discussed the outline of the "Capitol Commons Development Status" which had been mailed to the board members for their review. Discussion followed regarding property tax assessment and the possibility of tax increment financing to implement the reminder of the development. Concern was expressed over the number of Section 8 subsidized units in Phase II. Slides were shown of the Wildwood Lake Condos. No action was taken at this time. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m. Capitol Commons Citizens' District Council then met in a separate session. vm HOUSING AND REDEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARD 3rd Floor, Washington Square Amex 119 N. Washington Square Tuesday, July 27, 1982 7:30 p.m. Telephone 487-1020 The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Pat Long, Chairperson, at 7:30 p.m. Roll Call In attendance: Mrs. Long, Mrs. Carney, Dr. Griffin, Mr.Shaw, Mrs. Walker. Excused absence: Mr. Shiels, Mr. Capalongo, Mr. Boehm bests in Attendance: None Staff in Attendance: Turney Gratz, Robin Clay The motion was made by Mr. Shaw that the minutes of the May 25, 1982 and June 22, 1982 meeting of the Housing and Redevelopment Adivsory Board be approved as mailed. Supported by Mrs. Carne Motion carried unanimously Hearing of Delegations and Individuals - None Report of Committees - None Report of Officers - None Report of Director - a. Status report on various projects, by Mr. Turney Gratz, Development Administrator. Construction has started on the T.V. Station -Office Building in Capitol Commons. The City plans to apply for a loan from the Federal government to obtain funding for Phase II property acquisition. We are exploring the use of tax increment financing to re -pay this loan. We have received indication that the City's Homesteading program will be approved and that 312 Rehab funds are forthcoming, which will enable us to complete the 1017 E. Grand River transaction. Urban Renewal Four properties in Urban Renewal I are still undeveloped. Parcel 10 (Dart has withdrawn proposal) Parcel 12 (Negotiating with Reid & Reid) Parcel 6 Parcel 5C1 and 5Bl Reorganization Mayor McKane named Jacqueline Warr as temporary director of the Department of Planning and Municipal Development.and she will supervise the implementation of the reorganization until:a new Director is named. The Teamsters contract has been ratified but layoffs are pending. This involves three (3) Redevelopment Staff. Mr. Griffin commented about the lack of business activity for the Board and expressed concern about a meaningful role for the Board. He moved that the Chairperson speak with staff to arrange a meeting with the Mayor and to discuss this concern. Mrs. Walker supported Con minications- None Unfinished Business - None Excused Absence - Motion passed unanimously The ration was made by Dr. Griffin that the Housing and Redevelopment Board grant excused absence to Mr. Capalongo, Mr. Boehm, and Mr. Shiels. Supported by Mrs. Carney Motion carried unanimously Hearing of Delegations and Individuals - None The motion was made by Dr. Griffin that the meeting be adjourned. Supported by Mrs. Carney The meeting adjourned at 8:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, � / j� i - Ronald G.I-Stonehouse, Secretary RGS/rdc Motion carried unanimously CJ ['J N v J co N